FICAC Closes 5 Prominent Cases
FICAC said on the other matters referred by Ms Mataiciwa, these matters were ongoing and FICAC would not make any comments until the completion of investigations.
Friday 20 September 2024 | 14:44
Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner Barbara Malimali.
The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has closed five prominent cases.
The closed cases involved former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, Minister for Sugar Charan Jeath Singh, former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem and former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama. These cases were referred by the Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa earlier this year.
In a statement yesterday, FICAC said Ms Mataiciwa was notified of the closure on July 24.
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Why closed?
In the case of Bainimarama, FICAC said based on the outcome of investigations and the legal opinion rendered thereafter, there were insufficient evidence to support the claims made by the complainant.
“Investigation findings also concluded that accordance with Income Tax (Exempt Income) Regulation 2016 Schedule (Regulation 3) the allowance is exempted. This exempt income is classified for all official allowances paid to members of Parliament,” FICAC said in a statement.
“However, Section 15 (c) of the Income Tax Act outlines it does not recognise any allowance to the extent expending the performance of the employee’s duties of employment which includes per diem allowance.”
In the case of Mr Sayed-Khaiyum, investigation findings stated that the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013, did not address specifically the issue of “Income and the Types of Income” that the office holders of political parties should declare.
Recommendation has also been provided to the Fijian Elections Office in the opinion of FICAC, on areas which needs to be revised and strengthened as not to encounter similar issues in the future and to provide clarity and assistance during the investigation process, FICAC said.
FICAC said on the other matters referred by Ms Mataiciwa, these matters were ongoing and FICAC would not make any comments until the completion of investigations.
“FICAC wishes to reiterate that the commission is operating as usual and all processes and procedures remain unchanged,” the statement said.
“FICAC continues to handle every complaint, regardless of who the subject person is, with the scrutiny it deserves.”
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